Press release from West Kootenay Traffic Services
The West Kootenay Traffic Services (WKTS) and Nelson Integrated Road Safety Unit (IRSU) are pleased to announce that during the week long Shambhala Music Festival no reported fatal or serious crashes occurred in their area related to this event.
The WKTS and IRSU worked long hours on the road for the sole purpose of protecting the public. In doing so over 100 drug seizures from marijuana to more lethal drugs like LSD, cocaine and MDMA (Ecstasy) occurred.
Numerous 24 hour suspensions occurred for drug impairment as well as three charges are being forwarded for drug impaired driving. Two impaired by alcohol charges and numerous 24 hour for alcohol were processed.
One disturbing factor during this 11,000 person festival was excessive speeding charges and vehicle seizures. A total of 19 vehicles were seized under the Motor Vehicle Act for exceeding the posted speed limit in excess of 40 km/hr. The highest speed was 180 km/hr. Most vehicles seized were related to people traveling to and from the festival. Next year the patrols will be focusing on this disturbing trend.
The WKTS would like to thank the motoring public and the Salmo residents for their patience and understanding during this time.